Key Verse: Verse 9 - “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Key Words: If we confess our sins
Man finds it extremely difficult to accept full responsibility for his sin. To say, "I was wrong; I’ve no one to blame but myself” takes courage. The naked truth leaves us exposed, vulnerable, and feeling alone. For this reason, we rationalize and make excuses to keep the blame for our wrongdoing from falling on our shoulders.
A man was filling out an accident report for his insurance company because he had carelessly dented the fender of a parked car. One question on the form was, “What could the operator of the other vehicle have done to avoid this accident?” Trying to lay the blame on an innocent party, the man wrote, “He could have parked somewhere else.”
Another method of hiding our faults from public view is to change the standards to make it appear we’ve done nothing amiss. I’m reminded of an army sharpshooter who visited a small town and was amazed to find on the trees, walls, fences, and barns many bull’s-eyes with the bullet holes in the exact centers. Inquiring about this, he was introduced to the remarkable marksman. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” said the army man. “It’s incredible! How do you do it?” “Easy as pie,” replied the local rifleman. “I shoot first and draw the circle afterwards.”
To admit the truth is painful, but it’s a hurt that heals. The freedom of forgiveness carries but one condition – confession. God doesn’t have to know about your shortcomings for His sake, but humbly admitting them to Him is absolutely necessary for your sake. No sin can be put behind your back until you face it head-on.
What to do:
✞ Be mature! Confess your sin!
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